President of the First National Bank of Mitchell, South Dakota. He was prominent in the local Democratic Party.

He married Ella Maria Sturgis, daughter of Major General Samuel Davis Sturgis (famed Civil War Union General) and Jerusha Wilcox Sturgis. Together, they had four children: Eleanor Jerusha Lawler (born 1887), Katherine Glenn Lawler (born 1889), Samuel Davis Sturgis Lawler (born 1892), and Nina Sturgis Lawler (born 1893). He died of apoplexy (heart attack) while in Sioux City, Iowa, on business.
A former partner and newspaper owner, R. H. McBride, who was married to Ella Sturgis's sister, turned against him in later years, using his newspaper to print derogatory information about Mr. Lawler's bank. These caused local farmers to withdraw their money from the bank. The animosity between the two was bitter. Upon news of Mr. Lawler's death, his friends bought the newspaper from McBride and ordered McBride to leave town. They then burned the newspaper printing equipment in a large bonfire in the center of town.

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FUNERAL OBSEQUIES of HON. JOHN D. LAWLER at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

Hon. John D. Lawler, founder and prominent citizen of Mitchell, South Dakota, died suddenly of apoplexy while at Sioux City, Iowa, on February 18, 1896. The body was brought by family and friends in a special train from Sioux City to Prairie du Chien on Friday, February 21st. The Casket containing the remains were conveyed from the car to the Dousman residence, where they were viewed by many of his friends and relatives in this city.

The deceased was the oldest son of the late John Lawler of Prairie du Chien. He came here with his father in 1857, and his childhood days were spent in the "Prairie City," where he grew to manhood "beloved by friends and respected by everybody." Early in life he became noted for a kind disposition, and his chief enjoyment was derived from kindly acts. He was generous and public spirited, but never self-seeking. With all the wealth at his command, he never effected ostentation, was never purse proud or exclusive. His disposition inclined towards the quiet of home affairs; but he was always ready to respond with material aid and energetic efforts when the welfare of the public demanded effective action.

John D. Lawler removed from Prairie du Chien about ten years ago, soon after his marriage to Miss Sturgis, daughter of General Sturgis, U.S. Army. He became one of the leading men of the then Territory of Dakota. He was one of the principal owners of the Mitchell townsite, and proved a successful promoter in building up a prosperous city on the prairie. With ample capital, he was able to help the settlers to locate and build improvements. And it is said of him by hundreds of farmers and others that he never distressed those who owed him, but was always considerate and lenient. Hundreds who looked up to him, and were the beneficiaries of his ever generous bounty, will miss the helping hand of the large-hearted man whose death they sincerely mourn.

John D. Lawler never sought political preferment for himself. He was Territorial Treasurer, State Senator, and in every instance he was faithful to official trusts reposed in him. Honors seemed to come to him from the people regardless of political affiliations.

Hon. John D. Lawler was known from the Mississippi to the Missouri, from St. Paul to Washington, and everywhere he made friends, and became deservedly popular. In Sioux City where he died, his business relations brought him in contact with many prominent persons, who were saddened by his sudden death, and bankers and others at the funeral car were seen to weep and mourn his loss as for a beloved brother. When the sad news was received here in Prairie du Chien, there was a general expression of sorrow, and especially among railroad employees and the working men, with whom John D. Lawler had always been a special favorite.

The funeral in this city was a large one. Every carriage available was engaged, and the Dousman residence was crowded with sympathizing mourners. At 2 o'clock p.m. the casket containing the mortal remains of John D. Lawler were placed in the hearse by a number of stalwart Railroad men, all friends of the deceased, who acted as ….

THE PALL BEARERS:

C. F. Mitchell, Roadmaster of Prairie du Chien Division St. Paul R.R.; John Burke, Roadmaster of the Dubuque Division; P. J. McCaffery, Conductor on the Prairie du Chien Division, St. Paul road; James Doyle, Joseph Loomis, Daniel Hobbs, P.J. Gilmartin, all trusted employees of the late John Lawler, father of the deceased.

The Honorary Pall Bearers were men of prominence from St. Paul, Dubuque, Sioux City, Chicago and Prairie du Chien. Every attention and sign of respect that a grief stricken people could offer was manifested. When the funeral cortege reached the Church, the edifice was already occupied by an unusual assemblage of citizens. The Rev. Father Kremer performed the burial service. Aside from the floral tokens from friends, there was no attempt at display. The ceremonies and oration were impressive enough for all purposes. The remains of John D. Lawler were followed to the cemetery by a great crowd of people, who witnessed the interment in the family vault. The son and father rest together side by side in the quiet grave yard near the church. Requiescat in Pace.